fbekholden.com

Tripped over this on the way back from a job todayComplete steering linkage from a kingpin HD wagon. The only wear part not readily obtainable is the pitman arm ball joint which I’m willing to take a punt on. Huge leap forward in technology to 1965.


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As it turns out virtually all the parts that make up the steering linkage are obtainable brand new.
Drag link about $170 from a place in Melbourne. At this stage I think I will just replace the inner and outer tie rod ends and idler arm support.

These should stiffen the front up a bit Just need some shed time now.


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Removing from carTattle vin comes in handy as wheel and tie rod nuts are both 3/4”.


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Idler arm support bolts are 9/16” headJust have to pull the pitman arm. I have the puller. These can be quite tight. Sometimes a tap with bfh can help loosen things.


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The tools


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Don’t forget to take the nut off the sector shaft like I nearly did. 1 1/4” socket. Came off easily this time Next to disassemble the HD drag link and see how much play there is in the pitman and idler arm ball joints. I paid $70 for the second hand unit, $70 for new inner and outer tie rod ends and $20 for idler arm support. Another hundred and I could have re-used the FB adjuster tubes and had all brand new. I will assess the one I’ve got and consider this as an option. Try and resell the one I bought and recover some cost.


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quite a few options for a slightly stiffer sway bar as well - the old ones are 18 or 19mm I beleive but most new are 22 or 24mm - put one front and back and she should drift nicely.

if you struggle to get enough tension on the drag link inners my dad being an old school mechanic says the trick in the day was to put a penny or two in behind the adjuster nut as shim - worked a treat.

Thanks Wally but I spent all my pennies on aniseed balls back in 1966.

Looking a bit further the drag link you can buy for$169 but then you need the idler arm which is another 30$.


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So it works out just shy of $300 for brand new everything excluding the actual pitman arm and adjuster tubes which should be as good as the day they rolled out of the factory.


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Errol62 wrote: Thu Jul 05, 2018 7:26 am So it works out just shy of $300 for brand new everything excluding the actual pitman arm and adjuster tubes which should be as good as the day they rolled out of the factory.


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What about fitting some HR steering arms drag link etc ? Actually I can't remember if they fit the stock front end and motor? Anyone ?

Regards Greg

EK283 wrote: Thu Jul 05, 2018 6:32 pm

Errol62 wrote: Thu Jul 05, 2018 7:26 am So it works out just shy of $300 for brand new everything excluding the actual pitman arm and adjuster tubes which should be as good as the day they rolled out of the factory.


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What about fitting some HR steering arms drag link etc ? Actually I can't remember if they fit the stock front end and motor? Anyone ?

Regards Greg

AHMMMM,
Didn't read your earlier post regarding the HD sorry.

Greg

That’s what I am doing Greg. Bolts up to fb steering arms and box.

Pulling it all apart this arvo.
I measured the tie rodcassemblys at 360mm centres both plus or minus 5mm which will be determined when I set up toe. It is near enough for initial reassembly.

I’m wondering whether to replace the idler arm. Maybe I can find a tighter brass bush from one of the old linkages. The pitman arm to drag link ball joint seems okay.


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Hi there Clay are you over at Willunga?

That’s right gledge


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